David Raksin

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 4, 1912, David Raksin studied with William F. Happich in Philadelphia, with Harl McDonald at The University of Pennsylvania, with Isadore Freed in New York, and with Arnold Schoenberg in Los Angeles.  Raksin played, arranged, and conducted for dance bands, radio, records, and the theater, and in 1935 began his Hollywood career.  A faculty member at USC and UCLA, Raksin was President of the Composers and Lyricists Guild from 1962 to 1970. 

He worked on over 100 films including Al Capone, The Bad and the Beautiful, The Big Combo, Dr. Renault’s Secret, Force of Evil, Gunsight Ridge, Laura, Manila Calling, Marked Woman, Pay or Die, The Redeemer, Suddenly, The Undying Monster, What’s the Matter with Helen?, Whirlpool, Whispering Ghosts, and Will Penny.  Some of his television work was for Ben Casey, Breaking Point, and The Day After.  Raksin was nominated for Oscars® for Forever Amber and Separate Tables.  He died on August 9, 2004.

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